MEDIA ADVISORY/NEWS RELEASE

Domestic Violence Victim Dies From Injuries

This evening, the victim of a domestic violence that occurred over the weekend died from her injuries.

On January 24, 2010, at 1:35 p.m., the Sacramento Police Department responded to the 2300 block of Boxwood Street on a domestic violence call. Upon arrival, officers located a female victim who had critical injuries to her head which appeared to be from blunt force. The female, later identified as 50-year-old Karen Curtin, was transported to U.C. Davis Medical Center by the Sacramento Fire Department. Inside the house, officers also contacted Curtin's boyfriend who was identified as 35-year-old Donald Fernandes.

The Sacramento Police Department's Homicide Unit and Crime Scene Investigation Unit responded. Based on the investigation, detectives believe that Donald Fernandes assaulted his girlfriend, Karen Curtin, causing life threatening injuries. That evening, Fernandes was booked into the Sacramento County Jail for attempt homicide and parole violation.

On January 28, 2010, at 6:35 p.m., Karen Curtin died from her injuries resulting from the assault. Detectives will modify the charges against Fernandes from attempt homicide to homicide.